Safety razor



March 24 J. T. HELLMANN SAFETY RAZOR 2 SHEETS-SHEET 1 Filed May 15, 1951 .immnl l ATTD RN EYE March 24, 1953 J' T' HLLMANN 2,632,243

SAFETY RAZOR Filed May 15, 1951 2 SHEETS-SHET 2 cf 36 36' 3 36 36 Q9 l5 3637 l la J5' 372910 '925' E fIB//ff/ I I3 I :n: a l f L Y. Je y 39 44 153 @bij f7 y! J6 J if 16'@ 5'6"' l J7 5' e945 J3 '29 INVENTOR.

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ATTD R N EYS Patented Mar. 24, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SAFETY RAZOR Jay T. Hellmann, Chicago, Ill.

Application May 15, 1951, Serial No. 226,412

3 Claims.

This invention relates to a safety razor.

The object of the invention is to provide a safety razor which will enable the user to obtain a close shave with a minimum of effort and without cutting, scratching or chang the skin, there being a blade detachably mounted in the safety razor, whereby the blade can be readily removed when the blade is to be replaced.

A further object of the invention is to provide a safety razor which is constructed so that tightening and backing up of the skin by the razor blade Will be eliminated, the razor of the present invention being provided with a means for flexing the blade, and wherein the four corners of the razor blade are safely covered so that the skin will not be nicked.

Still another object of the invention is vto provide a safety razor which includes a means for holding the razor blade under tension, the safety razor of the present invention being constructed so that the blade can be easily washed and dried without removal of the blade from its anchored position, and wherein accidental cutting of the hands by the blade when the razor is in open position will be prevented.

A further object of the invention is to provide a safety razor which is extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the safety razor, constructed according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a View similar to Figure 1, but showing the position of the parts when the clamping means is released;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 1, but showing the position of the parts when the safety razor is in open position; Y

Figure 4 is an end elevational view of the safety razor of the present invention, with parts in closed position, as shown in Figure 1, and with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken through the safety razor and taken at right angles to the view shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the safety razor constructed according to the present invention;

Figure 7 is a top plan view of the safety razor of the present invention with the parts in closed position;

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the safety razor, with the parts in open position;

Figure 9 is a side elevational View of one of the clamping elements, with parts broken away and in section;

Figure 10 is an elevational View of the spring member;

Figure 11 is a top plan View of the spring member;

Figure 12 is an elevational view of the body member;

Figure 13 is a section view taken on the line I3--I3 of Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a top plan view of the guard plate;

Figure 15 is a sectional View taken on the line I5-I5 of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a side elevational view of the stem;

Figure 17 is a sectional view taken on the line I'l-I'! of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is an elevational view of the stem taken at right angles to the view shown in Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on the line I9--I9 of Figure 14;

Figure 20 is a fragmentary sectional view showing certain constructional details of the apparatus.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral I designates a guard plate, Figures 14 and 15, which is provided with an upper central plane surface 2. The guard plate I is further provided with sharply upturned edges 3 which form a guard for the safety razor, and the longitudinal edges of the guard plate are rolled, as at 4, whereby the skin will be pushed ahead of the cutting edge of a safety razor blade B. The guard plate I also includes downwardly extending flanges 5 which may be punched out from the central portion of the guard plate, and the flanges 5 serve as guards for the ends of the spring member 35, Figure 10. The flanges 5 serve to maintain the arms 39 of the spring member 35 in their proper position during opening and closing of the safety razor.

The rolled ridges 4 denne openings 6 for receiving therein suitable securing elements, such as studs I6 and the studs I6 serve to connect the carrier arms I3 to the guard plate I. The guard plate I is further provided with a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending grooves 'I which serve to receive therein the puller bars 2l, Figure 9, the puller bars 2 I being part of the clamping member, the clamping member being designated by the numeral I8. There is further provided in guard plate I a pair of spaced openings 8 which receive therein the portion of the spring member 35 which supports the balls 35. A pair of spaced openings 9 are arranged in the guard plate I for receiving the clamp member puller arms 22, Figure 9. An opening IG, which may be threaded interiorly, is arranged centrally in the guard plate, and the opening I9 serves to threadedly receive therein the upper threaded portion 29 of the stem 2, Figures 16, 17 and 18. A plurality of slots II are arranged in the upturned edges 3 and the rolled ridges 4 so that safety razor guard teeth are provided.

IThe safety razor of the present invention further includes carrier arms I3, Figure 9, and each of the carrier arms I3 is provided with an opening I4 through which projects a securing element, such as a headed screw Il. These screws extend through the ope-ning I4 and fit into threaded engagement with recesses 24 which are arranged in the puller bar 2 I. Each of the carrier arms I3 is provided with a curved shoulder I5 which serve to prevent the skin from being cut by the corners of the razor blade B. Extending from each of the carrier arms E3 is a stud I5 which projects into the openings 6 formed in the guard plate I.

The clamping member i8 shown in Figure 9 is one of a pair of clamping members i8, and each of the clamping members I8 includes va pressure bar I9 which is connected to the puller bar 2| by spaced, parallel links 29. A puller arm 22 extends from the puller bar 2l, and the puller arm 22 is arranged angularly with respect to the puller bar 2l. An opening 23 is arranged in the puller arm 22 for a purpose to be later described. The pressure bar I9 and puller bar 2I are spaced apart to denne a slot or opening 25 for slidably receiving therein the safety razor blade B.

The safety razor of the present invention further includes a stem 2l which is shown in detail in Figures 16, 17 and 18. The stem 2 includes the cylindrical body portion 28, and the upper portion of the body 29 is threaded exteriorly, as at 29, for engaging the opening I9 in the guard plate I. The lower portion of the body 28 is threaded exteriorly, as at 39, and the lower por- Ition 3D is adapted to be arranged in engagement with the safety razor handle 45. Extending lon gitudinally through the stem 2l' is a cylindrical bore 3| which is adapted to receive therein the non-rotary body part 53 of the operational member 52, Figure 12. Rectangular openings 32 are arranged on opposite sides of the stem 2 for slidably receiving therein the arms 22 of the clamping member, and longitudinally extending grooves 33 are arranged on oppostite portions of the exterior of the stem 27 for slidably receiving therein the arms 39 of the spring member 35.

The spring member 35 is shown in detail in Figures and 11, and the spring member 35 includes the lugs or ball members 36 which project through the openings 8 in each end of the guardplate I and razor blade B. An annular groove 3l is arranged contiguous to the bottom of each of the ball members 35 for anchoring the razor blade B, and further, a flat portion 38 is provided for supporting the ball members 35. The spring member 35 further includes spring arms 39, and secured to the lower ends of the spring arms 39 is a sleeve 4B which is provided with a central opening or passageway VfIII for slidably embracing the portion 53 of the operational member 52. A slot 42 is larranged in the sleeve 40 so as to provide the sleeves with resiliency, and the lower edge of the sleeve 40 is turned in, as at 43, for engaging the annular groove 54 in the operational member 52. The spring member 35 further includes spaced, oppositely extendling arm portions 44.

The razor handle is indicated by the numeral 55, and the handle 45 is knurled exteriorly so as to facilitate the gripping thereof. The handle 45 is provided with an up-per interiorly threaded portion 45 for engaging the lower portion 39 of the stem 2. An enlarged cylindrical bore 41 is arranged in the upper portion of the handle 45 for receiving therein the sleeve il@ of the spring member 35, Figures 1 through 4. A shoulder 48 is arranged interiorly in the handle 45, and the shoulder 49 provides a stop means for the sleeve 59, there being a smaller cylindrical bore 49 arranged in the handle 45 for slidably receiving the rotary part 59 of the operational member 52. A spirally extending groove 53 is arranged within the handle 45 adjacent the lower end thereof, and the spiral groove 59 is cut similar to a righthanded thread and is adapted to receive the cylindrical lug 92 that projects from the rotary portion 59 of the operational member 52.

The operational member 52 includes the body portion 53, and the annular groove 54 for receiving the inturned ledge 53 of the sleeve 49. Extending from the lower end of the body portion 53 is a rod portion 55, and a flange 56 is arranged on the lower end of the rod portion 55. The rod portion or annular groove 55 is adapted to rotatably receive therein the inwardly extending portions 59 of the rotary body 59. Arranged in the upper end of the body portion 53 is a slot 55 which is adapted to receive the puller arms 22 of the clamping member I8. Openings 5l are arranged in the upper end of the body portion 53, and a screw or other securing element 59 extends through the openings 51, through the openings 23 for anchoring the puller arms 22 to the operational member. The body portion 59 is provided with a cylindrical bore 6I which serves as a drainage channel in the event any water accumulates in the handle. The guard plate r I ,is provided with indented portions 53, YFigure 14 and Figure 19, and the indented portion 53 helps to eliminate breakage of razor blades. Further, the indented portion 63 provides more `flexibility and helps make the pressure more uniform on the blade under compression. A knob 54 is provided for operating or rotating the member 59.

Referring to Figure 3.0i the drawings, it will be seen that the blade B is anchored in a position ready to be washed or dried or ready to be changed. To remove the blade B, the spring arms 39 are pressed together which reduces the distance between the ball members 35 so that a, person can readily lift the razor blade off of the ball members 36, or the razor can be turned upside down so that the razor blade will drop o without the need of touching it with the iingers or hands. To place la new blade in the razor, the spring arms 39 are pressed inwardly so that the razor blade is dropped onto the ball members 35 with the fingers. Or, if desired, the new blade may be placed on the ball members 39 from 'a razor blade package by merely hooking the razor blade over one of the ball members 36 and sliding the blade out of the pack until b-oth ball members 36 are engaged, and then pressure on the'arrns 39 can be released, whereby the razor blade will be anchored in suspended position. With the parts arranged as shown in Figure 2, the razor is ready to be closed, and since both the clamping member I8 and the spring member 35 are connected to the operational member 52, it will be seen that both the clamping members I8 and operational member 52 will be operated upon manual movement of the member 52.

The clamping members I8 are pivotally connected to the body portion 53 through the slot 55, and the spring member 35 is also slidably connected to the body portion 53, since the spring member 35 has its sleeve 40 engaged in the groove 54. To close the razor or move the parts from the position shown in Figure 3 to the position shown in Figure 1, the operational member 52 is reciprocated by the knob 64, and this causes movement of the clamping member I8, whereby the razor blade will enter the openings in the clamping members I3. The longitudinally extending grooves l in the guard plate I provide a receiving chamber for the puller bar 2| of the clamping member I3, and the grooves 'I also provide a valley or space over which a side of the safety razor blade B may be spread, whereby the blade may be placed under the proper tension or exed as desired. The carrier arms I3 are pivotally connected to the guard plate I by suitable securing elements which extend into the openings 6 in the plate. These arms I3 are also pivotally connected to the puller bars 2|. Thus, it will be seen that when the razor is being opened or closed, the puller bars 2l and pressure bars I9 will move in an arc.

The razor is operated or used as follows: To close the razor, the operational member knob 64 is turned to the right from the position shown in Figure 3. This causes movement of the lug 32 which extends into the spiral groove of the handle 65, so that the operational member 52 will be moved in a direction away from the guard plate I. Further, the clamping member puller bar 2I and the pressure bar I9 move in an arc inwardly in the direction of the safety razor guard plate I. Then, the openings 25 receive the razor blade B and finally, upon continued rotation of the operational member 52, the puller bars 2I will be received in the grooves 1 of the guard plate I. The razor is shown in Figure 1 in closed position, and with the razor in closed position, the pressure bars I9 will maintain the blade under the proper tension, and the blade will be properly flexed.

Simultaneously with the downward movement of the operational member 52 and the clamping members I8, the spring member 35 will begin to move downwardly at the same instant the operational member 52 begins to move downwardly.

As shown in Figure 3, the spring member 35 is fdetachably connected to the body portion 53 by means of the inwardly extended ledge 43 which extends into the groove 54. Thus, downward movement of the operational member 52 causes the spring member 35 to move downwardly, but when the lower end of the sleeve 40 contacts the shoulder i8 of the handle 45, the shoulder 48 will stop the downward movement of the spring member 35. The operational member 52 continues to travel in a downward direction, and the spring sleeve lill will disengage itself from the groove 54 of the body portion 53 of the operational member 52, so that the spring member 35 remains stationary until the clamping members I 8 have completed moving the required distance to clamp the razor blade B.

Similarly, when the razor is to be opened, the operational member 52 is reciprocated in the opposite direction, thereby driving the clamping members I8 upwardly, and this upward movement of the clamping members I8 first causes the puller bars 2l and pressure bars I9 to travel upwardly and then arcuately with the carrier arms I3. This enables the clamping members I8 to disengage and clear themselves of the razor blade so that the razor blade can return to the position shown in Figure 3.

Thus, it will be seen that when the razor is operated or used, the clamping members I8 and the spring member 35 are both operated by the member 52, but these parts move different distances. When the razor is being closed, the spring member 35 starts moving at the same time that the clamping members I8 start to move, but the spring member 35 is delayed during this movement by the shoulder 48. In the opening operation, the clamping members I8 start to move rst, then pick up the spring member 35 during their movement, and then both the spring member and the clamping members move together and perform as previously described.

From the foregoing it is apparent that a safety razor has been provided which will prevent packing and backing up of the skin, and wherein the person will be able to shave closely with the razor. Further, the safety razor of the present invention includes a means for flexing the safety razor blade, and there is also provided means for preventing the four corners of the safety razor blade from cutting or nicking the skin. Also, the blade is held under tension and the blade can be easily washed and dried without the necessity of removing the blade from the razor. Heretofore, safety razors have interfered with the cutting of the hair due to the fact'that there was an excess of material in the central portion of the clamping plates which causes tightening or backing up of the skin in the wrong direction after the cutting edge of a safety razor blade passes its cutting path. The razor of the present invention over'- comes this dimculty by eliminating completely such centrally located portions in the clamping plates. The pressure bars I 9 insure that the skin will flow gently and smoothly over these rounded pressure bars land then the skin can be shaved eiiciently, and also a person can shave exceedingly close to the nose with a minimum of effort.

Also, the shoulder portions I5 on the carrier arms I3 insure that persons will not nick or cut their skin by the corner edges of the razor blades. Due to the construction of the pressure bars and the grooves 'l in the plate I, the razor blade B can be spread across the groove l, whereby the pressure bars will app-ly pressure longitudinally along the razor blade, so that the blade can be flexed inwardly Iwhen the blade is clamped.

With the blade in full open and suspended position, as shown in Figure 3, the razor can be washed by holding the razor under a water faucet. This will not disturb the blade, since it is held under suicient tension to withstand the flow of water against it. After washing, the razor may be dried without the use of any drying cloth by simply laying the razor on a shelf, resting the razor edgewise with one side of the operational knob 64 resting on the shelf and the edge of the guard plate I resting on the same shelf or level. This results in the razor blade being held in a vertical position, so that any excess water will quickly drain of and the blade will quickly dry. Then, after the blade has dried, or when the person desires to shave again, the razor is simply picked up and the knob 64 is turned one turn to theright, so that vthe razor is in closed clamped position ready to be used.

When the razor is in full open position, as shown in Figure 3, the blade B is anchored or in suspended position, so that the outer cutting edges of the blade will be fully protected, whereby a persons hands will not be cut. This protection is afforded by the construction of the clamping members I8.

What is claimed is:

1. In a safety razor, a hollow handle provided with a spiral groove on its inner surface, an operational member extending into said handle and provided with a lug for seating in said groove, a knob secured to the outer end of said operational member, a body portion arranged Vin said handle and connected to the inner end of said operational member, a pair of clamping members pivotally connected to said body portion, a guard plate, and a spring member yoperatively connected to said body portion and to said guard plate for coacting with said clamping members to clamp a razor blade therebetween.

2. In a safety razona clamping member Icomprising a pressure bar, a puller bar, a puller arm,lsaid pressure bar being of cylindrical shape, and said puller bar Abeing of square shape, said pressure bar and puller bar being arranged in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other, links extending between said pressure bar and puller bar and secured thereto, said puller arm being secured to said puller bar intermediate the ends thereof, and said puller arm extending angularly from said puller bar, said pressure bar and puller bar dening an opening therebetween for receiving a razor blade, there being recesses in said puller bar for receiving securing elements 8 therein, said puller arm being provided with an opening for receiving a securing element whereby said puller arm can be attached to the body portion of an operational member.

3. In a safety razor, a clamping member comprising a pressure bar, a puller bar, a puller arm, said pressure bar and puller bar being arranged in spaced parallel relation with respect to each other, links extending between said pressurerbar and puller bar and secured thereto, said puller arm being secured to said puller bar, and said puller arm extending angularly from said puller bar,vsaid pressure bar and puller bar defining an opening therebetween for receiving a razor blade, there being recesses in said puller bar for receiving securing elements therein, said puller arm being provided with an opening for receiving a securing element whereby said vpuller arm can be attached to the body portion of an operational member.

JAY T. HELLMANN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the leof this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 783,660 Williams Feb. 28, 1905 871,082 Brigham Nov. 12, 1907 1,817,966 Coleman Aug. 11, 1931 1,888,962 Swan Nov. 22, 1932 1,980,202 Hofmann Nov. 13, 1934 2,020,499 Garretson Nov. 12, 1935 2,025,718 Blau Dec. 31, 1935 2,058,529 Testi Oct. 27, 1936 

